In
the middle of the Tagus river there is a small island called Almourol.
A medieval castle stands on the island with thick walls and imposing
battlements, only reachable by boat. Frequently encircled by morning
mists or thick evening fog, the castle of Almourol is the setting for
countless romantic tales involving enchanted princesses, Moorish
princes and Christian Knights. The Templars passed by and there are
still those who believe that a famous treasure still lies hidden at
Almourol.
Portugal
is a land of castles and fortresses, palaces and cathedrals, convents
and manor houses. Throughout the whole country, our building heritage
invites us to take a journey through time and get to know the History
of Portugal at a more intimate level. Places such as the
historical centres of Porto, Évora, Guimarães, Sintra and Angra da
Heroísmo have been classified as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, as
well as countless monuments in Lisbon, Tomar and Alcobaça. We should
also not forget the extraordinary rupestrian paintings at Foz Côa which
show us the art of a people who lived more than 30 thousand years ago.
However,
Portuguese heritage is not just limited to monuments. The memory of a
people is also present, for example, in the region of the Douro, where
throughout the centuries human beings have shaped the sides of the
hills there to grow vines for the famous Port wine, which is also part
of our national heritage.
Or the countless national museums of
Art, Archaeology, Cinema, Theatre, Costumes, Ethnology, etc, where the
greatest Portuguese treasures are kept and exhibited. In Lisbon a visit
to the National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga)
is a must, as well as a visit to the Soares dos Reis Museum in Porto.
One
of the most emblematic museums is the Museum of Fado, located right in
the heart of traditional Lisbon, and there to explain better than
anyone this sad and melancholic lament, which is nothing less than the
voice of the Portuguese soul which, after all, is also our national
heritage.
To know more:
Portuguese Institute of Architectural Heritage (IPPAR)
UNESCO - Portuguese Comission
Portuguese Institute of Museums (IPM)
 More than you can imagine |
Architecture 
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